Proverbs 17:4 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 17:4 mean?

Proverbs 17:4 teaches that people who are set on doing wrong are quick to listen to lies, and those who are dishonest are drawn to harmful or corrupt speech. The verse links a person's character with what they are willing to listen to and accept.

In the book of Proverbs, these sayings are collected as wisdom for everyday life, often from a father or teacher to a young listener. Here, the verse points out that there is a natural attraction between a corrupt heart and corrupt words—those who intend evil are open to being influenced by falsehood and troublemaking speech.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 17:4

• "doer" (רָעַע, ra‘a‘): This word means someone who acts wickedly or does evil, not just someone who makes a mistake. It highlights that the verse is about people who have chosen a path of wrongdoing.
• "false" (אָוֶן, ’awen): This word refers to deceit, trouble, or wickedness. It shows that the "false lips" are not just mistaken but are speaking with intent to mislead or harm.
• "liar" (שָׁקֶר, sheqer): This word means someone who deals in lies or falsehood. The verse links this kind of person with being receptive to a "naughty tongue."
• "naughty" (הַוָּה, hawwah): This word can mean mischief, calamity, or destruction. It suggests that the "naughty tongue" is not just rude but speaks in a way that causes real harm or leads others astray.

Why Proverbs 17:4 matters

• Proverbs 17:4 clarifies that what a person listens to reveals much about their character; it is not just about what people say, but also about what they are willing to accept and believe.
• The verse warns that evil and deceit are not isolated—they attract and reinforce each other, making it easier for people to go further down a harmful path.
• This proverb fits into the larger theme of Proverbs, which often contrasts the wise and the foolish, showing how choices in words and company shape a person's life.